The S.H.A.C.K. opens in Sandy Hook

Carolyn Mueller

Published 7:01 pm, Friday, February 8, 2013

Tapping the talents of some fellow members of Newtown High School's class of 1987, Wendy Mitchell worked on finding a home for an arts center for children. In early December, a spot was found in Sandy Hook.

This was just days before the school shooting of Dec. 14.

The location of this new nonprofit, the Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids, and its mission, "to provide a safe haven for children and families to come to heal, create and explore various art forms while expressing themselves creatively in a nurturing, safe environment," is now more important than ever.

"We really need to be in Sandy Hook long-term," Mitchell said. "We want to bring fun to kids, to bring healing through the arts to the community. We offer art, music and pet therapies."

The S.H.A.C.K. has partnered with Animal Assisted Therapy Services in West Haven to bring free therapy dog visits and music therapy to its home at 100 Church Hill Road. Mitchell said AATS' members are trained professionals experienced in providing this type of therapy.

Mitchell brings her experience with theater and puppetry, plus her vision of helping children develop their talents "to bring a smile to someone else's face," to this venture. She involves a community service aspect in the theater classes she offers, encouraging kids to care about others.

"She had a food drive with the holiday show, `The Grinch,' " said Marla Duffy, of Bethel. Duffy's daughter, Brianna, 10, has studied theater with Mitchell for about a year and a half now.

"She's a phenomenal teacher, great with kids, energetic. My daughter loves her class," Duffy said. "Wendy encourages participation. Something about her brings shy kids out. Before you know it, she has them singing on stage."

Classes taught by Mitchell and other S.H.A.C.K. teachers will begin later this month. But first, a Valentine-themed party on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 1:30 to 8 p.m., will serve as a grand opening event.

The day will include a children's entertainer, a ukulele workshop, Valentine's crafts, black light puppet shows and more. For further details and a full event schedule, call 203-501-7424, email sandyhookartscenter@gmail.com, or visit www.sandyhookartscenter.org.

The S.H.A.C.K. is still in the process of obtaining 501(c)3 status. Donations for the organization are processed through Animal Assisted Therapy Services. Mitchell estimates it will take six to 12 months for the S.H.A.C.K.'s status to be finalized.